France, US Thank Cambodia for UN Vote on Ukraine
Cambodia voted on March 2 to deplore Russia’s aggression and call for an end to its military operation in Ukraine. Cambodia, as the current ASEAN chair, was one of 95 countries that co-sponsored the resolution. Photo from UNGA
- By Sam Sopich
- March 4, 2022 4:36 PM
Hun Sen calls for end to hostilities
PHNOM PENH--France and the United States have expressed satisfaction after Cambodia joined 141 countries at the United Nations General Assembly demanding Russia's immediate withdrawal of its troops from Ukraine.
Cambodia voted on March 2 to deplore Russia’s aggression and call for an end to its military operation in Ukraine. Cambodia, as the current ASEAN chair, was one of 95 countries that co-sponsored the resolution.
Following the vote, the embassies of France and the US in Cambodia issued messages appreciating Cambodian leadership for taking a firm position against the aggression.
“France appreciated with Cambodia's decision to join 140 other states in expressing solidarity with Ukraine, which has suffered from Russian military aggression in violation of the UN Charter," the French Embassy said.
The US, through its Embassy in Phnom Penh, said that it was pleased to see Cambodia and Singapore join other countries in co-sponsoring the resolution that condemns the Russian aggression and calling for an end to the war.
Excellent to see Cambodia & Singapore join the U.S. & many others in cosponsoring a UN resolution, that most ASEAN nations supported, deploring Russian aggression and demanding an end to its unprovoked war against Ukraine. The world is taking action to hold Russia accountable. pic.twitter.com/Js3L2V1yAN
— Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy (@USAmbCambodia) March 3, 2022
Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a message to his party leaders and members of the government explaining the Cambodian position and the need for this decision. He said the country carried out the action at the requests of Japan, France, Germany and the US.
“As the situation in Ukraine worsens, civilian casualties increase and the UN General Assembly is underway. I think we need to take action within the framework of ASEAN and Cambodia itself,” Hun Sen said.
The Prime Minister urged the parties to agree on a ceasefire, which was important to protect lives, property and reach a solution. Negotiations could not move forward without a ceasefire.
He said Cambodia does not support state separatism, the use of force, the readiness to use force or threats to use force.
“Of course, our Russian friend is likely to be angry at us, but as a sovereign state we have the right to act in defense of the truth and we also have a responsibility as members of the UN.”
The Cambodian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying only dialogue and diplomacy would be useful in preventing the situation from getting out of control.
“While understanding the security concerns at stake, Cambodia upholds its firm position that all member states must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other member states,” the statement said.
